Homes of Multiple Occupancy To view documents on this page you need Adobe Reader on your computer.  Download Adobe Reader for free.
Houses (and Flats) in Multiple Occupation HMO licensing
From April 2006 landlords of certain HMOs have been required to obtain a licence for their property. The Housing Act 2004 introduced national mandatory licensing for HMOs of three or more stories that contain five or more tenants, regardless of age.
What is the definition of house in multiple occupation?
The new act changes the definition of HMO. A house in multiple occupation means a building, or part of a building, e.g. a flat, which
- Is occupied by more than one household where amenities, such as a bathroom, toilet or cooking facilities are shared
- Is occupied by more than one household and which is a converted building which does not entirely comprise self contained flats, whether or not there is also a sharing or lack of amenities
- Comprises entirely of converted self contained flats and the standard of conversion does not meet, at a minimum, that required by the 1991 Building Regulations and at least one third of the flats are occupied under short tenancies
Households is defined as
'Persons who are all members of the same family, including single persons and co habiting couples, whether or not of the opposite sex. Members of the same family are people who are parents, grandparents, child, brother, sister, uncle aunt, nephew or niece of the other'.
Only HMOs containing five or more residents AND of three or more stories and where there is sharing of one or more basic amenities will need to be licensed. Any HMO which comprises entirely of self contained flats each occupied by a single household, will not need to be licensed.
Download our guide to HMO Licensing.
How much will it cost?
The fee has been set at £150 per letting. We offer discounts to landlords who are accredited under the London Landlords Accreditation Scheme. For more information on the scheme, visit the Landlords Accreditation Scheme.
How long will the licence be valid?
The licence will normally last for five years.
What standards will apply?
Before a licence is issued we will first need to be satisfied that the manager is a 'fit and proper person'. We will need to see that proper tenancy agreements are issued, that testing and servicing of gas installations, fire alarm systems and electrical installations has been carried out.
We will also need to ensure that there is sufficient space and facilities for the number of occupants and that proper standards of management are being maintained. We will also carry out an inspection to identify any serious hazards under the new Housing Health and Safety Rating System. If serious hazards are found the landlord will be required to remedy them.
What will happen if I operate an unlicensed HMO?
Landlords of unlicensed HMOs could, if convicted, face a fine of up to £20 000. Action could also be taken to recover rent paid while the property is unlicensed.
Flats in multiple occupation in Council blocks on Estates (leasehold flats which are rented to private tenants)
These do not currently require licensing but as a landlord you will be expected to meet certain standards. Further details can be found via this link
How do I apply for a licence?
Download a copy of the Licensing pack listed below. It contains everything you need to make an application
Contact us
Housing Enforcement Unit
Tel: 020 7525 2000
Fax: 020 7525 3077
resi@southwark.gov.uk
Community Safety & Enforcement
The Chaplin Centre
Thurlow Street
London
SE17 2DG
Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 5.00pm
|